Different types of schools and their purpose in society

1. Private schools: private or fee- paying schools have been a permanent feature of the British education system, these schools largely consists of children from wealthy upper-middle or upper-class backgrounds. Private schools are a small group of independent schools belonging to what's known as 'Headmasters Conference', which are long-established private schools such as Eton and Harrow. These schools do not have to follow the national curriculum and are not obliged to test their students. Roker found that these schools transmit a hidden curriculum about hierarchy and future leadership roles. Class sizes are smaller than normal state schools. While 7% of students attend private schools, about half the students in Oxbridge have attended private schools. Individuals who have attended private schools tend to dominate the high positions in society. Evidence shown by Ried shows that 84% of judges, 70% of directors and 49% of top civil servants went to private schools.Although now state does provide free education for all, to create meritocracy, the existence of Private schools is seen by some sociologisits as a way of passing on privilege. On the other hand, New Right oppose this view as they view private schools as an important aspect of choice and parentocracy in our society.

2. Faith schools: around a third of state schools in England are faith schools, these schools are publicly funded, the state pays 85% of capital costs…